Nola Sizemore

Staff Writer

Brandon Pennington has been selected as the new executive director of the Harlan Tourist and Convention Commission. Part of his responsibility is the day-to-day operation of the Harlan Center.

“I’m very excited about my new position,” said Pennington. “I’m still in the learning process. I’ve been meeting with the former director Kim Collier and she has been mentoring me. The board members have been fantastic in helping me with any questions I have.”

Pennington is a graduate of Transylvania University in Lexington with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and a minor in French. He graduated from James A. Cawood High School in 2007 where he shared the title of valedictorian. Pennington’s previous work experience include working as a customer service representative at Whitaker Bank in Lexington and World Finance in Harlan.

Scheduled to attend training with the Kentucky Tourism Industry Association, Kentucky Hotel and Lodging Association, Kentucky Association of Convention Centers Bureau and several others, Pennington is “getting his feet wet” for his position as executive director. He said his vision for the Harlan Center include “bringing new energy to the area.” He is currently on the Poke Sallet Festival steering committee and is scheduled to speak at several local boards and civic organizations throughout the county.

“Kim (Collier) had really secured her place on boards and committees she was a part of,” said Pennington. “Those were things that interested her and what she thought she was most beneficial at. I’m at that point now where I want to see where I can be most beneficial at.”

Pennington’s hobbies include outdoor activities such as ATV riding, zip lining and hiking.

“I love to read and write,” said Pennington. “I was published in a poetry book while I was in high school. It’s something I enjoy doing in my spare time.”

A Harlan County native, Pennington is the son of Michael and Melody Pennington. He currently resides in Putney.

Reach Nola Sizemore at 606-573-4510 or at nsizemore@heartlandpublications.com